Mr McGrady was in Brisbane last week collating advice on an alternative to allow both Healy Heights and the Gliderport developments to go ahead before the sewerage upgrade.

He welcomed the initiative of the

current city council to upgrade the sewerage infrastructure, but believed there is a less expensive alternative.

"At long last the council is addressing the sewerage problem; at least they have stepped back and looked at the situation they have at hand," Mr McGrady said.

"I accept the fact money has to be spent on the current system, but my suggestion is to unfreeze the land at the Gliderport and at Healy Heights in a shorter period of time, within two years.

Mr McGrady said this would help address the city's shortage of housing and would secure developments in the city.

"The city's sewerage treatment plant is currently at its limit and cannot take on any new developments, I understand this," he said.

"But why not develop these areas on their own water and sewerage infrastructures at a reduced cost to the average rate payer, while maintaining the existing sewerage treatment plant currently at its limit?

He said while this alternative would come at a reduced cost to ratepayers, it would also mean a shorter waiting period for the required new developments in the city.

"It's $28 million too much”, according to United Progressivesmayoral candidate Phil Barwick,

Mr Barwick said he didn’t believe council had worked anywhere near enough for reasonable sewerage upgrade expenses.

“Hand in hand the council need to fix the pockets of sewerage infrastructure crumbling and continue to develop Gliderport and Healy Heights,” he said.

“We need to have a firm base to focus on first, and in this case that’s getting the sewerage under control and looking at the necessities.

“It’s about prioritising what’s important and what’s not.”